{11.10} Breastfeeding and Returning to Work with Sally Rickard, IBCLC

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How long should you breastfeed for? What happens when your baby is eating solids? And how do you prepare to return to work if you don't want to stop breastfeeding?

In this episode of Raising Healthy Mothers I talk to Sally Rickard, IBCLC, who specialises in helping families maintain a breastfeeding relationship as they transition back to work or study. We discuss...

  • What an IBCLC means and how their unique training makes them the gold standard in breastfeeding support

  • Why breastfeeding beyond a year is beneficial for the mother and baby

  • The laws and guidance that help to protect breastfeeding mothers at work

  • Whether flexible working encourages people to return to work sooner, which is devaluing the parental leave period and connection between mother and child

  • The factors to consider about breastfeeding when returning to work

  • The issues you could face when returning to work and breastfeeding 

  • Updated mastitis guidelines

  • The hormonal and emotional factors of stopping breastfeeding and the importance of a community to normalise them

  • How to cope with returning to work on broken sleep

We covered A LOT in 45 minutes! As usual this is one of those episodes full of gold, for any breastfeeding parent who are worrying about returning to work while still breastfeeding.

Time stamps:

  • 01:49 Meet Sally Rickard: Lactation Consultan 

  • 03:38 What does IBCLC mean?

  • 07:04 Why breastfeed beyond 6 months or a year

  • 10:14 Legal rights for breastfeeding mothers

  • 19:43 Expressing and pumping at work

  • 28:12 Emotional and physical challenges

  • 35:47 Tips for managing sleep and work

Updated mastitis guidelines:

Full guidelines from ABM | Easy to understand guidelines

Find Sally:

Instagram | Website

Connect with me: 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tashadcruz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tashadcruznutrition
Website: https://tashadcruz.com/podcast

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DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on tashadcruz.com is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you may have heard on the podcast or on the website. I may earn commission on shopping links to external sites, e.g. Amazon. This doesn't change the price you pay but gives me a small commission which goes back into keeping the podcast running.